READING 02 REFLECTIONS: 'THE SPLIT WALL - DOMESTIC VOYEURISM'
Composed by Michael Fuhrman-Luck
This reading sheds a unique and intriguing light on various common architectural perceptions. One good example is the notion of framing the viewer rather than the view. Adolf Loose saw windows as a means of letting light in rather to gaze out into the unknown. Working with light he played on perception giving his work a theatrical edge. Evident in Moller house, Loos brings the viewer out of a darker space (often a circulation space) into a well lit public space. Taking time to adjust to the new environment the viewer cannot initially see the window or people near it but can be seen quite clearly him/herself. The result is a juxtaposition of viewer and actor, object and subject. This concept has merit in the architectural commune as there is such a wide range of personalties and public/private spaces for which it could be used effectively. Upon entry I would like the viewer to think they are in control, sitting in the seat of a spectator looking at the stage. This only temporary as once inside they are met with an audience, be it people, light, general space or perhaps in slight contrast to Loos, view.
On the lines of view and the eye, Le Corbusier in the reading reiterates this contrast with his notion of a window being used primarily for ventilation and view. I agree with Le Corbusier that windows should be used to see rather than look. This however should not always be the case. The location and function of certain rooms should determine the context. A public space like a dining room for example, has a purpose and meaning in its stagnant position. Stagnant in that the occupants are often around a dining table or on a couch. Having a large window here as a background would suit nicely as you are not particularly interested in seeing something of the outside as conversation and human company have drawn your focus. In a circulation space for example a hallway; various framed views along the lines of the Petite Maison on Lake Lemon by Le Corbusier would work perfectly. The occupant is merely walking to a destination with the mind somewhat empty. Passing by a intentionally framed aspect of view will catch their attention and allow them to ‘see’.
Ventilation has its obvious merits and will no doubt be looked at in the commune design to achieve comfort and a sense of well being.
"Studio 1 Archi Commune"
READING 03 REFLECTIONS: 'THE SUBURBAN HOME COMPANION'
Composed by Michael Fuhrman-Luck
This reading had an enlightening view on the social context of community based living. The suburban living style in which many of us as students have experienced was analysed historically. The focus was on the post war urban sprawl in the States however current relevance to the project’s context can be drawn. One interesting fact was the intention of each house to be separated but still exist in community. This comes down to correct layout and locations of key infrastructure. As mentioned in the reading, one problem faced by the close proximity of houses in these estates was the fish bowl effect. I believe the least ammount of the neighbours house should be seen. A slight glimpse of the exterior skin of the neighbouring houses to give a sense of community is necessary however that is where it should stop. Seeing the bones of a neighbour’s house can feel intrusive for both the subject and the viewer.
In terms of design of the houses/cabins/dorms for the private living arrangements of the studio group, there should be a logical response to each of the parties involved rather than a generic design response. Generic response does however have a benefit in terms of materials as it did in the USA during the 50’s. Prefabricated materials are the most economical. To bridge this gap, a modular type system could be a solution using the similar prefabricated materials. Whilst talking about materials, glass was mentioned in the reading as being the invisible distinction between the outside and inside. It was said to 'blur' this distiction. Below is an example of this by purposouly bluring two images together for effect.
I will endeavour to produce a logical outcome in this regard.
Going through the reading, there is no doubting the positive and negative effects the electrical world has had both on people and architecture alike. Spatially for example the context of the TV room taking over the lounge room has significant merit and will be looked at in the next workshop. Logically it leads us as designers to think of the best solution to adapt to this modern age. Questions can be posed: Does TV still have that influencing and drawing power? Or in fact has the computer age of the 21st century in particular drawn people out of the more public spaces in the home such as the lounge rooms and brought them toward a more intimate space. This is very important to consider when thinking about access and pedestrian flow.
"Studio 1 Archi Commune"
CONSIDERATIONS
Composed by Michael Fuhrman-Luck
As a turorial we brainstormed various ways we could recieve an income from our commune. This can be seen in the image of our whiteboard below.
The three most popular scenarios (circled) were voted upon for a second time leaving the following results. Three votes to the recording studio, seven for the retreat and ten in favour of the cafe & art gallery combination.
For site selection our tutorial group left the decision to personal choice. We were encouraged to make good use of countours by creating a sloping site. This personally is prefered as there is so much more that can be done creatively and logically in many ways. I innitially drew a rough sketch of a basic idea for my site which can be seen below.
Personnaly I see forms and ajacencies at an early stage although far too early in the journey to solidify such ideas but a good way for me to get the ball rolling.
Similar to my sketch I desired the site to be sloping down to a river facing north. The ideal aspect if you will. Looking on the given map of Mount Mythadology such a location could be found in numerous areas. I made up my mind and chose Parti Peak for its centrality as the top of the slope and close proximity to Smart Stream which forms its northern boundary. Acess by car will be easy as the site is gerted however not too closely, by local roadway. The site can be seen outlined in red below and covers an area of approximately 12200 square meters.
The area should be adequate enough to allow for spreading out however not too large in order to keep the sense of community outlined in the readings.
Orientating the main structure on the site formed the next step. An East-West elongation was chosen allowing maximum daylight into the dwelling through the large northern facade.
The area should be adequate enough to allow for spreading out however not too large in order to keep the sense of community outlined in the readings.
Orientating the main structure on the site formed the next step. An East-West elongation was chosen allowing maximum daylight into the dwelling through the large northern facade.
A section showing the broad idea of the main gathering space was drawn.
Sunlight was applied to highlight the main features of the interior.
I decided to take it further as not entirely happy with the outcome. A theatrical entry as with Loos in the reading was more what I desired. A journey needed to be made by the intruder so to speak.
"Studio 1 Archi Commune"
OVERALL REFLECTIONComposed by Michael Fuhrman-Luck
My cabin is located......
